South African MP demands reparations from Britain and Netherlands

An uMkhonto weSizwe Party Member of Parliament has urged the South African government to formally pursue financial reparations from Britain and the Netherlands for the historical impacts of slavery, colonialism and apartheid.

During a parliamentary session, Zwelakhe Mthethwa called on the government to seek compensation for what he described as the killing of indigenous leaders, the destruction of cultural heritage and the exploitation of South Africa's mineral resources under colonial rule.

Mthethwa questioned Ronald Lamola on whether the government had established timelines for pursuing financial compensation from the two former colonial powers.

In response, Lamola said South Africa had not entered into formal negotiations with either Britain or the Netherlands regarding financial reparations and that no timelines had been set.

He said the government instead supports the African Union's broader campaign for reparative justice through multilateral and international diplomatic platforms.

The issue of reparations has gained renewed attention across Africa and the Caribbean, with several countries calling on former colonial powers to acknowledge historical injustices and provide meaningful redress.

Cyril Ramaphosa has previously stated that former colonial powers should acknowledge the harm caused by colonialism and apartheid and take concrete steps to address their historical legacy.

While the Netherlands has issued formal apologies for its role in slavery and has committed to returning some cultural artefacts removed during the colonial era, neither it nor Britain has agreed to pay financial reparations to South Africa.

Mthethwa argued that African legislatures should strengthen legal and diplomatic mechanisms to pursue compensation and advance the continent's campaign for historical justice.